More than 30 European mayors have joined a new alliance to implement the European Green Deal at city level, calling for the continent to take a firm stance on its climate commitments.

The mayors involved are demanding fossil fuelled vehicles to be phased out across EU countries by 2035, with the necessary increase in the deployment of charging infrastructure and alternative fuels to make this change happen.

The alliance has also expressed the need for better conditions to enable low and zero-emission buildings by 2030 for new construction, support for energy poor households to be able to adopt alternative measures and the realignment of renewable energy targets with the new 2030 emissions reduction aims.

Dario Nardella, Mayor of Florence, said: “As mayors and city leaders we play a double role in implementing this transition. We are the ambassadors for the European Green Deal locally and we represent peoples’ concerns, needs and interests to all levels of government.

“Achieving climate-neutrality and sustainable development is in the interests of everyone, all these different levels and we, as mayors, can be a focal point as the institutions closest to citizens.

“Our ability, as city leaders, to implement ambitious policies to make the European Green Deal a reality for all citizens can be a real game changer for Europe. At the same time our job can be made a lot easier when we can work with national governments that are willing to step up their climate ambition.”